International entertainment, food and crafts
By Chris Fish
cfish@hometownnewsol.com
BREVARD --Those looking to experience a variety of different cultures from around the world, all in one afternoon, are encouraged to attend the Florida Institute of Technology's Seventh Annual International Festival.
On Saturday, Feb. 23, event goers can experience entertainment, crafts and foods from around the world from noon to 5 p.m. at the university's outdoor Panthereum, located off of County Club Drive.
Since 2007, international student groups and local cultural organizations have hosted country and diversity-themed display booths that showcase traditional clothing, informational literature, maps, flags and artifacts, event organizers said.
Along with the different booths displaying a variety of international culture, dance and vocal groups, bands and other performance artists will perform throughout the afternoon, and local eateries offer a variety of ethnic foods to attendees, organizers said.
"The event is a wonderful display of cultural foods, customs, crafts and performance from many countries," said Karen Rhine, news bureau chief of Florida Tech, in an email. "It illustrates Florida Tech's and the surrounding community's cultural diversity. (The event) is a good thing to do here, where we are rich in natural resources."
Ms. Rhine said admission to the event is free, but food and craft items will be available for additional costs.
Currently, event organizers from the university are still looking for performers for this year's international festival.
Last year's festival included performances from local musicians and dancers, including the Brevard Indonesian Angklung & Dance Group, L'Ahavat Tzion Folk Dancers of Brevard, the Greek American Association of Brevard, Florida Tech's all-faculty band TWITCHY, student band Echo Boomerz, the UAE student group and the Shik Shak Belly Dancers.
The festival is sponsored by Florida Tech International Student and Scholar Services, Florida Tech Resident Life, WFIT 89.5 FM and the Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida.
To apply to be an entertainer for the event, visit www.fit.edu/isss/international-fest.php, or, for more information call (321) 674-8053.